Now, an interview Santorum gave in 2008 to the Oxford Centre for Religion and Public Life has surfaced.
When asked in that interview if he believed that Obama is a "sincere liberal Christian," he said,"I don't think there is such a thing. . . . To take what is plainly written and say that 'I don't agree with that, therefore I don't have to pay attention to it,' means you're not what you say you are. You're a liberal something, but you're not a Christian."
On top of that is Franklin Graham's casting doubts on Obama's religious faith, saying he is seen as a "Son of Islam." Plus Newt's playing his "religious conversion" card and pandering to the evangelical conservatives -- and the submerged fears of Romney's Mormon faith.
Later today, a coalition of 14 major religious organizations, representing Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, and Sikh groups, released the following statement of principles (excerpted):
". . . Appealing to voters along religious lines is divisive. It is contrary to the American ideal of including all Americans in the political process, regardless of whether they are members of large and powerful religious groups, religious minorities, or subscribe to no faith tradition.
"Voters should be encouraged to make their decisions based upon their assessment of the qualifications, integrity, and political positions of candidates. A candidate’s religious beliefs – or lack thereof – should never be used by voters, nor suggested by political candidates, as a test for public office or as a shorthand summary of a candidate’s qualifications.
"Candidates for office bear the primary responsibility for setting the proper tone for elections. Anyone who legitimately aspires to public office must be prepared to set an example and to be a leader for all Americans, of all faiths or of no faith."
This was a broad appeal to all candidates for public office; but there's little doubt that Santorum has been leading the pack in his narrow view of Christianity. He has given new meaning to the phrase: "More Catholic than the Pope."
A good reminder -- and the timing makes it sound like a reprimand of Santorum.
Ralph
Excellent post. Does anyone in the Republican Party remember that the Constitution specifically states that there shall be no religious test for the Presidency? Santorum is nuts
ReplyDeleteFor some time, I have been lamenting the lack of any leadership on moral values coming from liberal religious groups.
ReplyDeleteThey were so important in the civil rights struggles in the 1960s and 70s. Where have they been?
Have conservative politicians co-opted the religious mantle and intimidated liberal groups into remaining silent?
It's good at last that they are speaking out and calling on candidates to refrain from using religion as a divisive tool.